Assemblyman William Colton (D-47 AD) has again arranged with Baruch College to bring VITA (Volunteers Income Tax assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs to the Gravesend and Bensonhurst areas.

Starting on Tuesday, Feb. 22nd and every Tuesday and Thursday until April 14th, trained college volunteers from the Internal Revenue Service and its partners across the nation and abroad, such as Baruch College, are offering free tax help to taxpayers having low to moderate income (families with an income of less than $40,000.)

Assemblyman Colton stated "I am indeed happy to bring again this free service to our community. Last year many residents came to my offices for tax help, it was very convenient and a blessing to those with disabilities and seniors, as well as those who canít afford to pay an accountant."

The Volunteers will help to prepare tax returns for a taxpayer segment, which includes elderly, students, disabled persons, people with limited English proficiency and others who canít afford professional tax assistance.

Assemblyman Colton reminds those who will avail themselves of this free service to bring their social security number and all tax documents, such as the W-2, Form 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, Form 1098-Unemployment, Form 1098-T, Form 1098-R, Form SSA-1099 etc.

The volunteers will be at Assemblyman Coltonís offices very Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM until April 14, 2004. The address is 223 Kings Highway and West 10th Street. For more information call 718 236-1598.